Reaching Infinite Success through Education (RISE): An accelerated degree completion program.
- Wilberforce University
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
26 September 2025
Wilberforce University Press Release
We are thrilled to announce the exciting transformation of CLIMB into RISE – an acronym that embodies our core values and captures our mission to empower individuals through education.
R – Reaching New Heights: At RISE, our primary focus is to enable individuals from all walks of life to reach new heights in their personal and professional endeavors. We believe that education is the key to unlocking one's true potential, and we are committed to providing accessible and quality learning opportunities that help people overcome barriers and achieve their dreams.
I – Infinite Opportunities: Is the driving force behind progress and growth. RISE aims to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of our learners. Through our innovative and engaging educational programs, we strive to ignite a passion for learning and empower individuals to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
S – Success: Success is not only measured by individual accomplishments but also by the collective achievements of society.
E – Education: Education is a powerful tool that can break the cycle of poverty and open doors to a brighter future. RISE is committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to seize opportunities, navigate challenges, and create a better life for themselves and their families. Through our comprehensive educational programs, we equip learners with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
By placing education at the heart of our mission, RISE is dedicated to fostering a culture of lifelong learning that leads to individual success and societal advancement. We believe that an educated and skilled population is the cornerstone of a prosperous and inclusive society.
Join the RISE Movement: We invite you to be a part of the RISE movement and embark on a transformative journey of learning and growth. Whether you are a student seeking to enhance your knowledge, a professional looking to upskill, or an organization seeking to empower your workforce, RISE offers a wide range of courses and training programs to suit your needs.
Our Promise: With the name change to RISE, our commitment to excellence, accessibility, and innovation in education remains unwavering. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment where diversity is celebrated, ideas are encouraged, and everyone is given the opportunity to shine.
The Wilberforce University RISE program has been offering accelerated degree completion programs since 1991. The program aims to expand the RISE adult learners' academic and intellectual capacity to prepare them to lead and excel in a global environment. The RISE program is an alternative to the traditional format of earning an undergraduate degree. The RISE program provides adult learners with an opportunity to complete a degree in a 5-week accelerated form that will take place entirely online. Offering courses in an accelerated format allows students to maintain their work and life responsibilities.
At Wilberforce University, only students enrolled in majors offered in the RISE program may elect to receive college credit for experiential learning. Students complete a portfolio, guided by the RISE faculty and staff. The portfolio is evaluated based upon the rubrics developed by the KOLB's Model and follows the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) principles.
Degree Requirements
To earn the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, each student must achieve the following:
60 minimum, 90 maximum of transferable credit from an accredited higher education institution
Must complete all credit requirements for the specific RISE major.
Accumulate 120 credit hours of coursework consisting of completing all credits that are a part of the major, transfer credits, and must meet all general education requirements.
Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 GPA or above in the 120 credits comprising the complete degree.
Must meet all general education and mission specific requirements.
RISE Degree Programs
Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management
Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Service Administration
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration
About Wilberforce
Wilberforce University is the nation's oldest private, historically black University owned and operated by African Americans. Its roots trace back to its founding in 1856, a period of American history marred by the physical bondage of people of African descent. It was also a period when the education of African Americans was not only socially prohibited but was illegal. There was nothing about the prevailing social and cultural ethos of the era that suggested that African Americans might or should be taught or could learn. Yet a powerful idea assumed life, and Wilberforce University was born. The founding of Wilberforce University represented a bold, audacious and visionary example of what could happen when men and women of goodwill transcended race and the prevailing social and cultural constructs and norms to pursue a noble purpose. Today, Wilberforce University offers 25 academic programs to students of promise from marginalized communities.
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